Track lighting system having heat sink for solid state track lights

Abstract

Embodiments of the current invention seek to increase heat dissipation by utilizing a track lighting system with a heat sink, thus accomplishing increased heat dissipation via a separate, easily-attached device, i.e. a heat sinking track, rather than altering the solid state light itself. Other embodiments seek to enhance transmission of heat from the solid-state light source to the heat sink track. In this manner, embodiments of the invention increase the amount of heat dissipated from solid state lights.

1 . A track for a track lighting system, comprising:
 an elongated, continuous track configured to support a plurality of solid state light fixtures, the track comprising:   at least one recess for supporting the plurality of solid state light fixtures; and   a heat sink in thermal communication with the at least one recess, the heat sink dissipating heat from the solid state light fixtures.   
   
   
       2 . The track of  claim 1 , wherein:
 the track has a first side and an opposite second side;   the at least one recess is located proximate to the first side; and   the heat sink extends from the second side.   
   
   
       3 . The track of  claim 2 , wherein the heat sink further includes a plurality of fins in thermal communication with the at least one recess and extending from the second side, the fins dissipating heat from the at least one recess. 
   
   
       4 . The track of  claim 3 , wherein each fin of the plurality of fins is oriented generally perpendicular to the second side. 
   
   
       5 . The track of  claim 3 , wherein each fin of the plurality of fins is oriented at one or more angles relative to the second side. 
   
   
       6 . The track of  claim 2 , wherein the recess supports solid state light fixtures extending from the first side. 
   
   
       7 . The track of  claim 2 , wherein the recess supports solid state light fixtures recessed into the track. 
   
   
       8 . The track of  claim 2 , wherein the recess is configured to receive a solid state light. 
   
   
       9 . The track of  claim 1 , wherein the solid state light fixtures are LED light fixtures. 
   
   
       10 . A track lighting system, comprising:
 an elongated, continuous track comprising at least one recess;   at least one solid state light fixture affixed to the at least one recess; and   a heat sink affixed to the track and in thermal communication with the at least one solid state light fixture so as to dissipate heat from the at least one solid state light fixture.   
   
   
       11 . The track lighting system of  claim 10 , wherein:
 the track has a first side and an opposite second side;   the at least one recess is located proximate to the first side; and   the heat sink extends from the second side.   
   
   
       12 . The track lighting system of  claim 11 , wherein the heat sink further includes a plurality of fins in thermal communication with the at least one solid state light fixture and extending from the second side, the fins dissipating heat from the at least one solid state light fixture. 
   
   
       13 . The track lighting system of  claim 12 , wherein each fin of the plurality of fins is oriented generally perpendicular to the second side. 
   
   
       14 . The track lighting system of  claim 12 , wherein each fin of the plurality of fins is oriented at one or more angles relative to the second side. 
   
   
       15 . The track lighting system of  claim 11 , wherein the at least one solid state light fixture extends from the first side. 
   
   
       16 . The track lighting system of  claim 11 , wherein the at least one solid state light fixture is at least partially recessed into the track. 
   
   
       17 . The track lighting system of  claim 10 , wherein the solid state light fixtures are LED light fixtures. 
   
   
       18 . A track for a track lighting system, the track being configured to support at least one solid state light and comprising a heat sink configured to dissipate heat from the at least one solid state light.